Mrs. Vivian Ellene Noell Cook

In loving memory of Ellene Noell Cook who passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, surrounded by her family and best friend. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 23, at 11:00 AM, at First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, December 22, from 3:00 until 5:00 PM at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home.

Ellene was born in Thomaston on September 11, 1935, to the late John Summers Noell, Sr. and Eunice Banks Noell. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood and attended Ben Hill School, Gordon Military High School, and graduated from R. E. Lee Institute in 1953.

Ellene was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and a true friend to many. In 1953, she married William Marvin “Billy” Cook, Jr. They briefly lived in Puerto Rico when Billy was in the Army and then returned to Thomaston to make their home. Ellene joined her mother to work at Noell’s Dress Shop, and she retired in 2014 after being in the business for over 60 years. She was active in the Chamber of Commerce and was once nominated for Business Woman of the Year.

Ellene was very active in her church and community. She was a Cradle Member of the First Baptist Church where she later taught Sunday School and Training Union, led the Girl Scout Troop, chaired the flower guild, and provided flowers for the church from her yard for 18 years. She served on the church’s decorating committee, and she and Billy created and built the first floral Easter Cross in 1995. The carillon bells in the church’s bell tower are in memory of Billy. She and Billy together were very instrumental in the formation of Westwood School.

Ellene was an avid gardener and a faithful, devoted member of Green Thumb Garden Club for over 60 years. She was given a lifetime membership in The Garden Club of Georgia. She organized the purchase of new Christmas decorations for downtown Thomaston in conjunction with Vince Dooley’s visit for his book signing on gardening. She was a talented hostess and used her lovely home and gardens for home tours and for numerous parties for which she cooked all of the food and arranged the flowers.

Ellene loved to travel and visited many beautiful places. She also enjoyed many years of being a member of TIPS investment club.

In addition to her parents, Ellene was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Billy. She is survived by her son, John Wiliam Cook; her daughter, Kimberley Cook Davis and Samuel Moseley Davis, III; grandson, Bo Davis; granddaughter, Ivy Davis (Rick) Jacques; great granddaughter, Isabel Jacques; sister, Deborah Noell Craig and husband, Tommy; and brother, John Summers Noell, Jr. (Bubber) and wife, Claudia. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, in laws and cousins.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Green Thumb Garden Club, c/o Angela Tarrant, 380 Peachbelt Road, Thomaston , GA 30286; to First Baptist Church, 208 South Church Street, Thomaston, GA 30286; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.